In the 12-year period of 2005 through 2016, canines killed 392 Americans. Pit bulls contributed to 65% (254) of these deaths. Combined, pit bulls and rottweilers contributed to 76% of the total recorded deaths. | More »

Friday, June 27, 2008

Another Chain Snappin' Pit BullMarshall, MO - A calf belonging to a youngster who was raising it for show was attacked and severely injured by a pit bull Wednesday. The boy's father, John Sprigg of Nelson, said that the calf is still alive, but far from recovered. The calf's right ear was badly damaged and both the left and ride side of the animal's face and nose had severe lacerations.

As DogBite.org's recent report on livestock and horses states: "Severe head injury, tearing off ears, noses and legs is an attribute of the pit bull breed." Sprigg's daughter discovered the injured calf that morning when she went to feed the animals. When sheriff's deputies arrived, they observed pit bulls in the area, one of which had blood all over its mouth.

Sprigg said this was not the first incident involving the dogs. Several days ago, one of them allegedly jumped up on his son, but did not attack. Sprigg said he learned of the incident in a phone call from the dog's owner, who said he would put the dog on a chain. The incident report said the dog had broken the chain during the night and was running loose when the attack took place.

Pit bulls commonly snap chains, crash through doors and chew through chain link fences to reach their targets. This breed of dog cannot be "contained," even by responsible owners. The fact that pit bulls cannot be contained with normal -- and far above normal -- constraint methods considerably adds to the risk they pose to people, pets and livestock.